Cancer Survivors Find Healing Through Art Therapy at UCSF

URGENT UPDATE: Survivors of cancer are harnessing the transformative power of art to navigate their emotional turmoil, thanks to the Art for Recovery program at UCSF Medical Center. This innovative initiative, which began in 1988, is currently providing a vital outlet for expression and healing to patients facing cancer diagnoses.

Just moments ago, participants gathered around large tables at UCSF’s Mount Zion campus, each creating poignant pieces that reflect their personal journeys. Among them is Jenni Mork, a breast cancer survivor who is painting a portrait of her new dog. “Having cancer, I never had children, and having this opportunity to have this dog is really wonderful,” Mork expressed, wiping away tears as she emphasized the importance of celebrating small victories.

The emotional weight of cancer is significant, and Amy Van Cleve, director of Art for Recovery, noted that typical art therapy may not suffice during treatment. “People need a space that they can get back in their skin,” she said. The program encourages participants to express their emotions freely, whether through anger or resilience, allowing for a deeply personal artistic experience.

Seated nearby, Nanci Reese, who has battled endometrial cancer since 2008, is channeling her struggles into a colorful depiction of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite. “Oxygen therapy makes it so your vision is a little blurred, so I started doing like Monet. I could not see, but that is okay,” she explained, reflecting the adaptability required in her artistic process.

The program’s significance extends beyond individual therapy; it also creates a community where stories can be shared and understood. Van Cleve described the poignant moments during group check-ins, where participants can openly discuss their realities, including transitions to hospice care. “We are just present with them,” she stated.

The impact of cancer is starkly illustrated in the art created by participants, with self-portraits often depicting themes of strength and vulnerability. “The third phase I call the legacy phase,” Van Cleve explained. “You’re either transitioning to the rest of your life after cancer or transitioning into hospice and making peace.”

Art for Recovery is gaining recognition, with its artwork displayed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art until Spring 2024. This exhibition includes pieces from 30 artists, such as Susana Gershuny, who crafted a pillow from her hair lost during chemotherapy. “I wanted to flip this loss on its head,” Gershuny shared, highlighting the reclaiming of her identity through art.

According to Van Cleve, the act of painting allows patients to move through their emotions, offering a unique release. “When you are literally moving through that emotion and you share it, there is a release, there is a letting go,” she emphasized.

For those affected by cancer, the Art for Recovery program is more than just an art class; it is a lifeline that fosters healing and connection. The program continues to inspire and uplift, making art a powerful tool for resilience.

As the exhibition progresses, the visibility of these artists and their stories is sure to resonate with wider audiences, offering hope and encouragement to many facing similar battles. This initiative showcases the profound impact of creativity in overcoming life’s most challenging moments.